Hops Fest returns

Hood River Hops Fest returns Saturday for a second year, to a new and larger location just a block away from the 2004 inaugural event.

The festival celebrates the harvest season by showcasing outstanding and unique Northwest beers from Hood River and beyond. A range of food vendors will be available to supply a selection of tastes from authentic bratwursts or sausages, to barbecued meats, Mexican, Bento and Cajun seafood.

The event is family-oriented, with food and non-alcoholic drinks available aplenty, along with a variety of music and other events including a kids’ play area, climbing wall, and the fifth annual Chalk Art Contest (details below).

The free event runs from noon to 9 p.m., downtown at the corner of Columbia and Fifth streets. Headlining the music will be the rocking blues of Too Slim and the Taildraggers. Wide-ranging musical fare also includes the Bavarian “oompah” by the High Fives Band, the drumming of Samba Hood Rio and more.

The annual Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest will be held in conjunction with the fest, from 2 to 5 p.m. Registration for the contest will be at the event, next to the G. Willikers Toy Shoppe Kids Play Area at the festival. All ages are invited to participate.

In addition, face painting, balloon art, kids play area with train tables, games and puzzles, a rock climbing wall and booths featuring a variety of regional arts and crafts will add to the festivities.

Downtown Association director Joanie Thomsen said the Hops Fest is the only festival in Oregon where you can enjoy many of the 35 special seasonal beers. The choices range from the Ayinger Ocktoberfest from Germany to “over the top” hop ales that include more than six varieties of hops.

“There is something for everyone with styles ranging from Pilsners, to a smoked Ocktoberfest and even a creamy Milk Stout,” Thomsen said.